CVP’s experts answer your kit questions
Posted on Nov 8, 2024 by Pro Moviemaker
When it comes to in-depth experience with equipment, the technical experts at Britain’s top filmmaking retailer are second to none and are here to help
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I want to invest in my first set of cine prime lenses for my Sony FX3 and FX6. While I’d love to have a vintage look like Sigma Classics or Cookes, this look might be quite limiting. Would I be better buying a very neutral set of lenses and changing the look via filters or in post? What lenses should I consider?
It depends on what you will be shooting and the look you’re after. Subjectively, the Cooke SP3 primes are the best cine lenses you can buy for mirrorless cameras that offer a vintage look reminiscent of their legendary Speed Panchros.
This look is hard to replicate with filters or in post. For something a bit more neutral, the Nisi Athenas are a great pick and come with their own benefits. They are cheaper, slightly faster (on some focal lengths), and on the E-mount version, they have a drop-in filter system.
I come from a stills photography background and previously used studio flash with a beauty dish for my work. Now, I’m doing more video work and see very few beauty dishes used or listed for COB lights. Why is this, and can I just use a Bowens mount dish made for flash?
Beauty dish modifiers have been very popular with studio photographers, but create an aesthetic that might be less commonly desirable for videographers shooting moving subjects, as opposed to softboxes. If your beauty dish and COB light both utilise a Bowens mount, then there is nothing stopping you from pairing them up.
I like a traditional video tripod with a spreader for video work, but my current one seems too bulky now I’ve switched to a mirrorless camera. Are there any brands I should look at for a lighter and more compact tripod?
Depending on how much you want to spend, there is a whole range of options from the likes of Sachtler, with something like their Ace series – or Manfrotto with their 504X system. You even have Smallrig offering lightweight tripods on the more budget-friendly side.
I use the Canon EOS C70 but don’t like the crop factor when shooting in 4K at 120fps. Does the new C80 do the same, or does it remain full-frame?
When shooting in 4K at 120fps, the Canon EOS C80 can oversample the full 6K sensor, but you will be limited to shooting Long GOP. You can learn more about the C80 in our in-depth review over on the CVP YouTube channel.
I use one of the early-generation LED light panels for quick set up when shooting interviews on location. Would I see any benefit of a more modern light, seeing as there are now full-colour, RGBWW, RGBLAC and other versions on the market?
As new generations of LED lights come out, they tend to see improvements with their accuracy and ability to finely tune the colour output – something which is important when shooting people for interviews.
Compared to early-generation LED lights, many modern fixtures can adjust the green-magenta tint, which will be crucial if you are trying to match with other light sources.
Another benefit with more modern LED fixtures is their improved output, allowing you to shoot in situations requiring ample light, or where you might need to overpower any natural light.
CVP – simply the best!
CVP has again been named the winner in the Pro Moviemaker Gear of the Year Awards in the retailer of the year classes for new products. Thousands of professional filmmakers cast their vote for CVP in these annual accolades.
That’s because CVP is not only famed for great service and keen prices, but has innovative showroom spaces with the latest kit on hand as well as impartial experts to answer any questions.
If you’d like to get a hands-on feel for any new equipment you’re thinking of – and maybe check it out with accessories to get an idea of what it’ll be like to work with – then CVP is the place to visit.
To book a demo and talk to one of CVP’s experts, give the team a call on +44 (0) 208 380 7400, email [email protected] or visit cvp.com
